Listerine for toenail fungus? There’s a lot of buzz on the net that recommends soaking your feet in Listerine to rid them of toenail fungal infection. The truth is that this may work for you. But it may not be for the reasons stated. Unfortunately, most people writing about it on the net quote a source (there are so many, I can’t tell who originated it) that says it’s the antiseptic quality of Listerine that kills the fungus. Actually, it’s the thymol.

Thymol is the active ingredient that cures the fungal infection. The fungus isn’t on the surface of the nail, it’s deep in the nail bed so just applying topical fungus-killing preparations won’t work. Thymol is also present in Vick’s VapoRub which can be applied under the nail with a Q-tip.

But if you don’t want to go around smelling like VapoRub all day and if the expense of twice daily Listerine foot baths would seriously dent your wallet, why not just buy concentrated Thymol? A small bottle of Thymol can be found available on the net for about $15.

Toenail growth takes time so don’t be discouraged when the effects are slow to show. Infected toenails are often thick, yellowed or discolored with black lines and spots. These nails take time to grow out. Keep up daily use of the thymol and within 6 to 12 months you will have healthy, normal-looking toenails.